Informaton processing system, information processing device, and communication connection method

ABSTRACT

For a connection from an unspecified communication device, an information processing system, information processing device configuring the information processing system, and communication connection method for between the communication device and the information processing device which are capable of securing communication security while simplifying operation in the communication device. In order to send image data to a multi-function device from a communication terminal device in order to print out the same, the multi-function device generates a one-time password that is limited in period of validity to a period related to the printout so as to display the same together with the SSID of the device itself upon a display unit, whereupon at the communication terminal device, the displayed SSID and the one-time password are input so as to make a connection in order to send image data.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/823,500, filed on Nov. 27, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/376,768, filed on Aug. 5, 2014, which is thenational phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT International ApplicationNo. PCT/JP2013/051952 which has an International filing date of Jan. 30,2013 and designated the United States of America. The enclosures of allare hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing system inwhich a communication device and an information processing device sendand receive information to/from each other through wirelesscommunication. More specifically, the present invention relates to aninformation processing system which can simplify operation in thecommunication device and ensure the security for connection, aninformation processing device constituting the information processingsystem, and a method of communication connection between thecommunication device and the information processing device.

2. Description of Related Art

Portable communication terminal devices, i.e. so-called smartphones,have widely been used. Such a communication terminal device is highlyconvenient since it may have various functions by adding various typesof applications to the functions of a camera, game, media player and thelike.

Recently, such a technique has widely been employed that a communicationterminal device is connected through wireless communication to a networkconnected to a printing-out device (printer) with a wirelesscommunication function, and the communication terminal device sends andreceives information to/from the printing-out device. In particular,such a system has been realized that image data can be sent from acommunication terminal device with a cameral function to a printing-outdevice in the same network, and the printing-out device can directlyprint out the image without the intermediary of a storage medium, USBcable, personal computer or the like.

As described above, since a system capable of directly sending imagedata from a communication terminal device to a printing-out devicethrough wireless communication and printing out the image has beenrealized, services are provided in that a printing-out device such as amultifunction machine is installed in a public space for unspecifiedusers, to print out an image shot by a communication terminal devicewith a camera function. Some of such services employ a method ofconnecting a communication terminal device to a printing-out device onlywith a network name (SSID: Service Set Identifier) without a password.

A conventional invention discloses a technique related to security forconnection between a wireless communication device (child device) and anaccess point (parent device). The disclosed technique proposes a methodof generating a one-time password for setting at the access point side,inputting by a user the generated one-time password into the wirelesscommunication device, connecting the wireless communication device andthe access point by generating at each of them an SSID and a passwordfor setting based on the one-time password, exchanging the SSIDs andpasswords for data communication during connection for setting, and thenautomatically connecting the wireless communication device with theaccess point for data communication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a service for sending image data of an image shot by a communicationterminal device with a camera function through wireless communication toprint out the same by a printing-out device installed in a public place,it is necessary to encrypt data communication in order to prevent thedata from being intercepted by other devices. Moreover, a configurationwhere one communication terminal device can be connected to aprinting-out device while another communication terminal device cancommunicate with the printing-out device has a security problem.

Though the above disclosed method takes security into consideration, itis necessary for a user to perform operation of inputting a generatedone-time password to a child device when a connection is made forsetting. In addition, setting and communication can only be conductedbetween communication devices having a function of generating SSIDs andpasswords used for connection for setting. The conventional techniquecontemplates communication setting between specific communicationdevices installed in a fixed manner and thus the operation is requiredonly once, which causes no problem. When, however, it is applied tocommunication between an unspecified communication terminal device and aprinting-out device, a configuration in which a communication terminaldevice and a printing-out device store an SSID and a password for datacommunication and then automatically communicate with each other, thecommunication terminal device communicates with the printing-out deviceevery time it approaches the once-used printing-out device, causing aproblem.

The present invention has been made in view of the circumstancesdescribed above, and has an object of providing an informationprocessing system which can ensure the security for communication whilesimplifying operation in a communication device when a connection froman unspecified communication device is taken into consideration, aninformation processing device constituting the information processingsystem and a communication connection method between a communicationdevice and an information processing device.

According to the present invention, connection from a communicationdevice to an information processing device, or sending/receiving ofinformation between them are limited by a one-time password. Thus, evena communication device which once successfully made a connection stillneeds to obtain a new password when trying to connect to the informationprocessing device again. Moreover, in the present invention, even anauthenticated connection has a limited period of communicationconnection, which is based on a timing at which predetermined processingis started, completed or the like. Accordingly, a configuration in whichan information processing device is installed in a public place mayprevent the information processing device from being automaticallyconnected from multiple communication devices, which can ensure thesecurity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a configuration ofa printing service system according to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printingservice system according to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedureperformed when a printing service is executed at a multifunction machineaccording to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 3B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedureperformed when a printing service is executed at a multifunction machineaccording to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating a screen example of aninitial screen displayed on a display unit of a multifunction machine;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating a screen example of a storagemedium selecting screen;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of connectioninformation displayed on a display unit of a multifunction machine;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedureperformed when a printing service is used at a communication terminaldevice according to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a list ofwireless communication devices displayed on a display unit at acommunication terminal device;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a passwordinput screen displayed on a display unit at a communication terminaldevice;

FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processingprocedure performed when a printing service is executed at amultifunction machine according to Embodiment 2;

FIG. 10B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processingprocedure performed when a printing service is executed at amultifunction machine according to Embodiment 2;

FIG. 11A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processingprocedure performed when an image sending service is executed in amultifunction machine according to Embodiment 3;

FIG. 11B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processingprocedure performed when an image sending service is executed in amultifunction machine according to Embodiment 3;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedureperformed when a scan sending service at a communication terminal deviceaccording to Embodiment 3;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printingservice system according to Embodiment 4;

FIG. 14A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processingprocedure performed when a printing service is executed at amultifunction machine according to Embodiment 4;

FIG. 14B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processingprocedure performed when a printing service is executed at amultifunction machine according to Embodiment 4;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of connectioninformation displayed at a display unit of a multifunction machineaccording to Embodiment 4;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a sendingpassword displayed on a display unit of a multifunction machineaccording to Embodiment 4;

FIG. 17A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processingprocedure performed when a printing service is used at a communicationterminal device according to Embodiment 4;

FIG. 17B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processingprocedure performed when a printing service is used at a communicationterminal device according to Embodiment 4; and

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a passwordinput screen displayed on a display unit at a communication terminaldevice according to Embodiment 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments for an information processing system, information processingdevice and communication connection method according to the presentinvention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1

Embodiment 1 describes an example where the present invention is appliedto a printing service system including a communication terminal devicehaving a camera function as well as a function of sending image datashot by the camera through wireless communication, and a multifunctionmachine receiving image data sent from the communication terminal deviceand printing out the same.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a configuration ofa printing service system according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 2 is ablock diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing servicesystem according to Embodiment 1. The printing service system includes amultifunction machine 1 installed in a place available for unspecifiedusers, such as public facilities like a library, and also includes acommunication terminal device 2 owned by an unspecified user. Themultifunction machine 1 is able to make a communication connection withthe communication terminal device 2 present in an effective area ofwireless communication. Such a system allows a user to send image datashot with a camera function included in the communication terminaldevice 2 to the multifunction machine 1 through wireless communication,and to print it out by the multifunction machine 1. A store or a publicfacility manages the billing for the printing-out processing, to realizethe printing service.

According to the present invention, in a case where unspecified multipleusers respectively carrying communication terminal devices 2 makeentrance into the effective area of wireless communication, the securityfor the multifunction machine 1 can be ensured.

The multifunction machine 1 is an information processing deviceincluding a printing-out function (printer), a reading function(scanner), a facsimile function and the like to perform processing onimage data. The multifunction machine 1 includes a control unit 10controlling each component, an input/output unit 11 using a touch paneland an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a memory 12 storing various kindsof information, a communication unit 13 implementing communication withthe communication terminal device 2, a password generating unit 14generating a password, and an image forming unit 15 realizing aprinting-out function. The multifunction machine 1 also includes, inaddition to the above, components for realizing a number of functions,such as an image reading unit for implementing a reading function and afacsimile communication unit for performing facsimile communicationthrough a telephone network, which are not illustrated or described herein detail.

The control unit 10 uses a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to control eachcomponent based on a control program stored in a build-in ROM (Read OnlyMemory).

The input/output unit 11 includes a display unit 11 a using an LCD tooutput information and an operation unit 11 b obtaining informationinput by user's operation with a touch panel provided on the LCD. Theoperation unit 11 b may also employ a hardware key provided adjacent tothe display unit 11 a, not limited to the touch panel. For the displayunit 11 a displaying various types of icons or buttons, the position onthe touch panel touched by the user is sensed by the operation unit 11b, while the control unit 10 can specify which icon or button is touchedbased on the information of the position touched by the user and on thepositional information of icons or buttons displayed on the display unit11 a. Furthermore, the control unit 10 is able to specify which hardwarekey is pressed based on the information sent from the operation unit 11b.

The memory 12 employs an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid StateDrive). In the memory 12, an SSID for the multifunction machine 1 isstored, which can be read out by the control unit 10. The memory 12 mayalso store image data received from the communication terminal device 2.

The communication unit 13 implements a wireless communication function.The communication unit 13 is able to send and receive data to/from thecommunication terminal device 2 through wireless communication. It isnoted that the communication unit 13 has a function of an access point,i.e. a function of a parent machine in a wireless LAN, and is configuredto execute authentication processing with a password, which will bedescribed later. Note that the communication unit 13 may be connected toone communication terminal device 2 in an adhock mode, and is configurednot to be connected for communication simultaneously with multiplecommunication terminal devices 2. In addition, a method of connectionthrough an access point of a local network deployed in a facility mayalso be employed.

The password generating unit 14 generates a one-time password forwireless connection based on an instruction from the control unit 10.The password generating unit 14 generates a one-time password by, forexample, creating five-digit alphanumeric characters based on randomlygenerated numbers. Generation of a one-time password is not limited tothe method described above but may be realized by various differentmethods including known methods.

The image forming unit 15 employs a printer unit. The printer unit isdisposed below the scanner unit inside the main body of themultifunction machine 1. The printer unit generates a toner image basedon image data sent from the control unit 10, and forms an image bytransferring the toner image onto a sheet of paper.

The communication terminal device 2 is a mobile telephone, i.e. aso-called smartphone. The communication terminal device 2 may be atablet PC (Personal Computer). The communication terminal device 2includes a control unit 20 controlling each component, an input/outputunit 21 using a touch panel, a memory 22 storing various kinds ofinformation, and a communication unit 23 implementing communication withthe multifunction machine 1.

The control unit 20 uses a CPU to control each component based on acontrol program stored in a built-in ROM.

The input/output unit 21 includes a display unit 21 a outputtinginformation using an LCD, and an operation unit 21 b obtaininginformation input by user's operation with a touch panel and hardwarekey provided on the LCD. On the display unit 21 a displaying varioustypes of icons or buttons, the operation unit 21 b senses the positiontouched by a user on the touch panel and notifies the control unit 20 ofthe information of the position touched by the user. The control unit 20is able to specify which icon or button is touched based on thepositional information of icons or buttons displayed on the display unit21 a. When a hardware key is pressed, the operation unit 21 b notifiesthe control unit 20 of the information specifying which key is pressed.

The memory 22 uses a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a flash memory. Thememory 22 stores therein an application program used to print out imagedata at the multifunction machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as “printapplication”). The control unit 20 reads out and executes the printapplication stored in the memory 22 to implement communication with themultifunction machine 1 as well as sending of image data to themultifunction machine 1, which will be described later.

Furthermore, in a flash memory of the memory 22, the image data of animage shot with a camera function (not illustrated) is stored. Thecontrol unit 20 may temporarily store the information input by theoperation unit 21 b in the RAM of the memory 22 or store it in the flashmemory for saving, as will be described later.

The communication unit 23 implements a wireless communication function.Based on the instructions from the control unit 20, the communicationunit 23 becomes connected to the communication unit 13 of themultifunction machine 1. The communication unit 23 allows the controlunit 20 to send and receive data to/from the multifunction machine 1.

A procedure in thus configured image processing system where thecommunication terminal device 2 connects to the multifunction machine 1,sends image data, which is printed out by the multifunction machine 1,will now be described with reference to the flowchart and examples ofthe operation screen.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a flowchart illustrating an example of a processingprocedure performed when a printing service is executed at themultifunction machine 1 according to Embodiment 1. The processingprocedure described below corresponds to the processing procedure in thecommunication terminal device 2 illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 7,which will be described later. The multifunction machine 1 executes theprocessing as described below in the state of waiting while an initialscreen is displayed on the display unit 11 a and the wirelesscommunication function by the communication unit 13 is being enabled.

The control unit 10 determines, on the initial screen displayed on thedisplay unit 11 a, whether or not a photograph printing service isselected by the operation unit 11 b and a mobile telephone is selectedon the screen for selecting a storage medium for image data, i.e.whether or not an instruction is provided to start the wireless printingservice (step S101). The photograph printing service targeted for imagedata from a mobile phone will hereinafter be referred to as “wirelessprinting service.”

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating a screen example of aninitial screen displayed on the display unit 11 a of the multifunctionmachine 1, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating a screenexample of a storage medium selecting screen. As illustrated in FIG. 4,an icon 110 for executing a photograph printing service is displayed onthe initial screen so that the user can touch it to provide instructionsto start the photograph printing service. On the initial screen, inaddition to the above, an icon 111 for starting copying and an icon 112for starting sending of an image including a facsimile are alsodisplayed for example. When the user touches the touch panel on the icon110 for starting the photograph printing service in FIG. 4, the storagemedium selecting screen in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 11 a.As illustrated in FIG. 5, icons 120 to 131 are displayed for selectingthe type of a storage medium (media) in which image data to be printedare stored. The user touches any one of the icons to select the type ofa storage medium. Among them, the icon 130 is for the image from amobile phone having a wireless communication function. The user maytouch the icon 130 to provide an instruction to start the wirelessprinting service.

If it is determined that no instructions are provided to start thewireless printing service (S101: NO), the control unit 10 returns theprocessing to step S101 and waits until it is determined that theinstruction is provided to start the wireless printing service throughthe operation unit 11 b.

If it is determined that the user touches the touch panel on the icon110 in FIG. 4, that the operation unit 11 b senses that the user touchedthe touch panel on the icon 130 in FIG. 5, and that the instruction isprovided to start the wireless printing service (S101: YES), the controlunit 10 instructs the password generating unit 14 to generate a one-timepassword (step S102). The control unit 10 obtains the password generatedby the password generating unit 14 (step S103), and reads out the SSIDof the device itself from the memory 12 (step S104). The control unit 10then outputs connection information (SSID and one-time password) usedfor connection with the multifunction machine 1, to be displayed on thedisplay unit 11 a (step S105).

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of connectioninformation displayed on the display unit 11 a of the multifunctionmachine 1. As illustrated in FIG. 6, by the control of the control unit10, five-digit alphanumeric characters, for example, “vwxyz” for theSSID and “12345” for the one-time password, are shown in a connectioninformation display area 113. The user views the connection informationdisplay area 113 to recognize such information. It is to be understoodthat the SSID and one-time password in FIG. 6 are exemplary and otheralphanumeric characters, symbols or the like may also be used.

Description continues with reference to FIG. 3A again.

Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a connection is madefrom the communication terminal device 2 through the communication unit13 (step S106). If it is determined that no connection is made (S106:NO), the control unit 10 returns the processing to step S106, and waitsuntil it is determined that a connection is made.

It is noted that, at step S106, in the case where a certain period oftime has elapsed since the timing for generating a password (S102) whileremaining unconnected, the processing may be terminated and theconnection with the password generated at step S102 may be invalidated.Here, the display unit 11 a is returned to the state where the storagemedium selecting screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

If it is determined at step S106 that a connection is made from thecommunication terminal device 2 (S106: YES), the control unit 10executes authentication processing based on the SSID and password sentwhen connecting, that is, to determine whether or not the password isvalid (step S107). If it is recognized, as a result of theauthentication processing, that the password is valid and authentic(S107: PASS), the control unit 10 determines whether or not image datais received (step S108), and if it is determined that no image data isreceived (S108: NO), returns the processing to step S108 to wait untilit is determined that image data is received. If it is determined that,as a result of authentication processing at step S107, the password isinvalid and unauthentic (S107: FAIL), the control unit 10 outputs theresult of authentication processing to the display unit 11 a (stepS109). The control unit 10 then disconnects the communication (stepS110) and terminates the processing. Here, the display unit 11 a isreturned to the state where the storage medium selecting screen shown inFIG. 5 is displayed thereon. In such a case, it may be possible toinvalidate the password generated at step S102 at the time when theprocessing is terminated or to accept the authentication processingagain. In the case where the authentication processing is acceptedagain, it is preferable to limit the time and the number of trials.

It is noted that the control unit 10 at step S107 does not authenticatesimultaneous connection from multiple communication terminal devices 2.If more than one communication terminal devices 2 make connections usingone same password, the control unit 10 determines that only the firstcommunication terminal device 2 which made a connection the earliest isauthentic.

If it is determined that image data is received at step S108 (S108:YES), the control unit 10 outputs a print setting screen to be displayedon the display unit 11 a (step S111), and accepts print setting (stepS112). Subsequently, the control unit 10 determines whether or not astart button for providing instructions to start printing-out is pressed(step S113). If it is determined that the button is not pressed (S113:NO), the control unit 10 returns the processing to S113 to wait untilthe button is pressed. When sensing that the button is pressed (S113:YES), the control unit 11 disconnects the communication connection withthe communication terminal device 2 before the subsequent printing-outprocessing (step S114), sends the print setting accepted at step S112and the image data received at step S108 to the image forming unit 15,executes printing-out (step S115), and terminates the processing. Here,the display unit 11 a is returned to the state where the storage mediumselecting screen in FIG. 5 is shown. The password generated at step S102is invalidated at the time when the processing is terminated.

It is not always necessary to disconnect the communication in theprocessing at step S114. It may also be possible to make the connectionwith the communication terminal device valid only before theprinting-out processing at step S115 is started, and to reject it evenif the connection is tried again. Moreover, communication connection maybe disconnected from the multifunction machine 1 not only before theprinting-out is started but immediately after printing-out is completed,or the connection from the communication terminal device 2 using apassword generated at step S102 may be rejected after printing-out iscompleted. In other words, connection may be valid only for a perioduntil sending and receiving of image data with the communicationterminal device 2 is completed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedureperformed when a printing service is used at a communication terminaldevice 2 according to Embodiment 1. When the control unit 20 reads outand executes a print application by the control of the user, thecommunication terminal device 2 executes the processing described below.

The control unit 20 activates the communication unit 23 to enablewireless communication (step S201). The communication unit 23 searchesfor a target device for wireless communication (step S202), and outputsa list of SSIDs of the target devices obtained as a result of the searchas well as the SSIDs stored in the memory 22 (step S203). The controlunit 20 accepts a selection of a device to be connected from the outputlist (step S204). It is noted that the input of SSIDs from the user mayalso be accepted at step S203.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a list ofwireless communication devices displayed on a display unit 21 a at thecommunication terminal device 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the SSID for themultifunction machine 1 and that for another multifunction machine 3 aredisplayed together with their respective communication availability.Furthermore, a button 210 for selecting a device as a target device forconnection is shown for each of the communication devices, and an “OK”icon 211 and a “CANCEL” icon 212 are also displayed. The user may touchthe touch panel on the button 210 for the multifunction machine 1 to beconnected and touch the touch panel on the “OK” icon 211, to provideinstructions for connection to the multifunction machine 1. The controlunit 20 then senses that the multifunction machine 1 is selected at theoperation unit 21 b and that the touch panel on the “OK” icon 211 istouched, and tries to connect to the multifunction machine 1.

Assuming that the multifunction machine 1 is selected by the user fromthe list of wireless communication devices shown in FIG. 8, descriptioncontinues with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7 again.

The control unit 20 outputs a password input screen for connecting tothe selected multifunction machine 1, to be displayed on the displayunit 21 a (step S205), and obtains at the operation unit 21 b a passwordto be input by the user on the password input screen (step S206).

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a passwordinput screen displayed on the display unit 21 a in the communicationterminal device 2. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the SSID for themultifunction machine 1 which is to be connected is displayed, while anacceptance unit 213 accepting the input of the password output to thedisplay unit 11 a at step S105 in the flowchart in FIG. 3A is alsodisplayed. The user views the one-time password displayed on the displayunit 11 a of the multifunction machine 1, inputs the password to theacceptance unit 213, and touches the touch panel on the “OK” icon 214.This allows the communication terminal device 2 to obtain the password.

Description continues with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7 again.

The control unit 20 tries to make a connection to the multifunctionmachine 1 through the communication unit 23 based on the passwordobtained at step S206 (step S207). The control unit 20 determineswhether or not the connection succeeds (step S208), and if theconnection fails because it is determined as unauthentic (S208: NO),terminates the processing. If it is determined that the connectionsucceeds (S208: YES), the control unit 20 reads out image data to beprinted that is stored in the flash memory of the memory 22 (step S209)and outputs the list thereof to be displayed on the display unit 21 a(step S210).

The control unit 20 accepts the selection of one or more pieces of imagedata from the list of the displayed image data (step S211), sends theaccepted image data to the multifunction machine 1, which is beingconnected, through the communication unit 23 (step S212), and terminatesthe processing.

After step S212, the multifunction machine 1 disconnects the connectionso that the communication terminal device 2 cannot send and receiveimage data to/from the multifunction machine 1.

The processing procedures shown in the flowcharts in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 7ensure the security for connection to the multifunction machine 1. Thepassword generated at step S102 is a one-time password, which limits theconnection by, for example, disconnecting communication at the timingbefore and after printing-out. Thus, even if the communication terminaldevice 2 tries to connect with the same password later, the control unit10 of the multifunction machine 1 will not approve the password asauthentic in the authentication processing (S107). This ensures thesecurity also in a configuration where a connection is made to anunspecified communication terminal device 2 for printing-out. The usercan securely receive the printing service with simple operation byexecuting the operation for generating a password at the multifunctionmachine 1, inputting the generated password at the communicationterminal device 2 and selecting image data to be printed.

It is to be understood that the screen examples shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6,8 and 9 are mere examples and the present embodiment may be implementedwith other screen structures. For instance, the examples of FIGS. 4 and5 may alternatively employ a structure in which the instruction forstarting the wireless printing service may directly be provided from theinitial screen or a structure in which the instruction for starting thewireless printing service may be provided via a different screen. It isalso possible to have a structure in which the multifunction machine 1automatically recognizes a mobile phone and a screen showing only thebutton for providing the instruction to start the wireless printingservice may be displayed.

Embodiment 2

In Embodiment 1, the communication unit 13 in the multifunction machine1 is able to continuously perform wireless communication. By contrast,in Embodiment 2, the period during which the communication unit 13 inthe multifunction machine 1 can perform wireless communication islimited.

The printing service system according to Embodiment 2 has aconfiguration similar to that in Embodiment 1, except for detailedprocessing procedures performed in the multifunction machine 1, whichwill be described later. Accordingly, the configuration units common tothose in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference codes and willnot be described in detail.

In Embodiment 2, the wireless communication function of thecommunication unit 13 in the multifunction machine 1 can be controlledfor its enablement/disablement by the control unit 10. Basically, thewireless communication function of the communication unit 13 isdisabled, and is enabled, when the user starts using the multifunctionmachine 1 and provides an instruction to start the wireless printingservice through the operation unit 11 b, only for a period untilprinting-out is started, that is, until sending and receiving of imagedata to/from the communication terminal device 2 is completed.

The processing in the communication terminal device 2 is similar to thatin Embodiment 1, which will not be described in detail.

Details of the processing procedures in Embodiment 2 will be describedbelow.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a flowchart illustrating an example of aprocessing procedure performed when the printing service is executed atthe multifunction machine 1 according to Embodiment 2. Among theprocessing procedures described below, the ones common to the proceduresillustrated in the flowchart in FIGS. 3A and 3B according to Embodiment1 are denoted by the same step numbers, and will not be described indetail. The multifunction machine 1 according to Embodiment 2 executesthe processing described below while in a waiting state where an initialscreen is displayed on the display unit 11 a and the wirelesscommunication function of the communication unit 13 is disabled.

In Embodiment 2, when it is determined that an instruction is providedto start the wireless printing service through the operation on theinitial screen and storage medium selecting screen displayed on thedisplay unit 11 a (S101: YES), the control unit 10 enables the wirelesscommunication function of the communication unit 13 (step S301), andinstructs the password generating unit 14 to generate a one-timepassword (S102). It is noted that the control unit 10 may enable thewireless communication function after the processing of steps S102 toS104.

In Embodiment 2, the control unit 10 then accepts print setting (S112),and if it senses that the start button for starting printing-out ispressed before the subsequent printing-out processing (S113: YES),disconnects the communication with the communication terminal device 2(S114) and thereafter disables the wireless communication function inthe communication unit 13 (step S302). After disabling the wirelesscommunication function, the print setting accepted at step S112 and theimage data received at step S108 are sent to the image forming unit 15,printing-out is executed (S115) and the processing is terminated.

As described above, Embodiment 2 allows the multifunction machine 1 tohave higher security in communication by limiting an effective period ofwireless communication function of the communication unit 13 and thusrestricting the chances of connection from other wireless communicationdevices.

Embodiment 3

The present invention may also be applied, not only to the service inwhich image data held by a communication terminal device 2 is printedout from the multifunction machine 1, but also to the service in whichimage data obtained by scanning a document by the multifunction machine1 is sent to a communication terminal device 2. In such a case, theprint application of the communication terminal device 2 implementscommunication with the multifunction machine 1 as well as receiving ofimage data from the multifunction machine 1.

The system of image data sending according to Embodiment 3 has ahardware configuration similar to those in Embodiment 1 and 2, exceptfor the processing procedure performed between the multifunction machine1 and the communication terminal device 2. Accordingly, theconfiguration units common to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by thesame reference characters and will not be described in detail.

Image data sending is started when the user touches the touch panel onthe icon 112 for starting sending of an image including a facsimile onthe initial screen illustrated in FIG. 4. When the touch panel on theicon 112 is touched, the control unit 10 in the multifunction machine 1displays a screen for selecting a destination to which the image issent, on the display unit 11 a. As the image sending destination, forexample, a facsimile destination or a mobile phone through wirelesscommunication may be selected. When a mobile phone is selected as theimage sending destination, the processing described below is executed inthe multifunction machine 1.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a flowchart illustrating an example of aprocessing procedure performed when an image sending service is executedin the multifunction machine 1 according to Embodiment 3.

The control unit 10 determines whether or not image sending is selectedon the initial screen displayed on the display unit 11 a through theoperation unit 11 b, and whether or not a mobile phone is selected onthe screen for selecting an image sending destination, that is, whetheror not an instruction is provided to start a wireless scanning service(step S401). The image sending service for scanned image data to amobile phone is hereinafter referred to as “wireless scanning service.”

If it is determined that no instruction is provided to start thewireless scanning service (S401: NO), the control unit 10 returns theprocessing to step S401, and waits until the instruction is provided tostart the wireless scanning service through the operation unit 11 b.

If it is determined that the instruction is provided to start thewireless scanning service (S401: YES), the control unit 10 instructs thepassword generating unit 14 to generate a one-time password (step S402).The control unit 10 obtains the password generated by the passwordgenerating unit 14 (step S403), and reads out the SSID for themultifunction machine 1 itself from the memory 12 (step S404). Thecontrol unit 10 then outputs connection information (SSID and one-timepassword) for connecting to the multifunction machine 1 to be displayedon the display unit 11 a (step S405).

The control unit 10 determines whether or not a connection is made froma communication terminal device 2 through the communication unit 13(step S406). If it is determined that no connection is made (S406: NO),the control unit 10 returns the processing to step S406, and waits untilit is determined that a connection is made.

It is noted that, at step S406, when a certain period of time haselapsed from the timing at which a password is generated (S402) whileremaining unconnected, the processing may be terminated and connectionwith the password generated at step S402 may be disabled. Here, thedisplay unit 11 a is returned to the state where the screen forselecting an image sending destination is displayed thereon.

If it is determined, at step S406, that a connection is made from thecommunication terminal device 2 (S406: YES), the control unit 10executes authentication processing based on the SSID and password sentat the time of connection, i.e. to determine whether or not the passwordis valid (step S407).

If it is recognized, as a result of the authentication processing, thatthe password is valid and authentic (S407: PASS), the control unit 10outputs a scan setting screen to be displayed on the display unit 11 a(step S408), and accepts scan setting (step S409). The control unit 10then determines whether or not a start button for providing aninstruction to start scanning is pressed (step S410). If it isdetermined that the start button is not pressed (S410: NO), the controlunit 10 returns the processing to step S410 and waits until the startbutton is pressed.

When sensing that the start button is pressed (S410: YES), the controlunit 10 executes scanning of a document based on the scan settingaccepted at step S409 (step S411). The control unit 10 sends the imagedata obtained by scanning to the communication terminal device 2 (stepS412), disconnects the communication with the communication terminaldevice 2 (step S413), and terminates the processing. Here, the displayunit 11 a is returned to the state where the screen for selecting animage sending destination is displayed thereon. The password generatedat step S402 is invalidated at the time when the processing isterminated.

If it is determined that, as a result of the authentication processingat step S407, the password is invalid and unauthentic (S407: FAIL), thecontrol unit 10 outputs the result of the authentication processing tothe display unit 11 a (step S414). The control unit 10 disconnects thecommunication (step S415), and terminates the processing. Here, thedisplay unit 11 a is returned to the state where the screen forselecting an image sending destination is displayed thereon. In such acase, the password generated at step S402 may be invalidated at the timewhen the processing is terminated, or the authentication processing maybe accepted again. When the authentication processing is accepted again,it is desirable to set a limit for the time and the number of trials.

Note that, at step S407, the control unit 10 does not authenticatesimultaneous connection from multiple communication terminal devices 2.When multiple communication terminal devices 2 try to connect with thesame password, the control unit 10 determines that only the firstcommunication terminal device 2 trying to connect the earliest isauthentic.

Next, processing performed on the side of the user's communicationterminal device 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustratingan example of a processing procedure performed when a scan sendingservice is used at the communication terminal device 2 according toEmbodiment 3. The control unit 20 reads out the print application inresponse to the user's operation, and the communication terminal device2 executes the processing described below when receiving of scan data isselected.

The control unit 20 activates the communication unit 23 to enablewireless communication (step S501). The communication unit 23 searchesfor a target device for wireless communication (step S502), and outputsthe list of SSIDs stored in the memory 22 and SSIDs for the targetdevices obtained by the search (step S503). The example of the screen onwhich the list is output is similar to the example illustrated in FIG. 8according to Embodiment 1.

The control unit 20 accepts the selection of a device (multifunctionmachine 1) to be connected, from the output list (step S504). It is alsopossible to accept the user's input of SSID at step S503.

The control unit 20 outputs a password input screen for connecting tothe selected multifunction machine 1, to be displayed on the displayunit 21 a (step S505), and obtains a password to be input by the user tothe password input screen through the operation unit 21 b (step S506).The password input screen is similar to the example illustrated in FIG.9 according to Embodiment 1.

The control unit 20 tries to connect to the multifunction machine 1through the communication unit 23 based on the password obtained at stepS506 (step S507). The control unit 20 determines whether or not theconnection succeeds (step S508), and if it is determined as unauthenticand the connection fails (S508: NO), terminates the processing.

If it is determined that the connection succeeds (S508: YES), thecontrol unit 20 then determines whether or not receiving of image datato be sent from the multifunction machine 1 is started (step S509). Ifit is determined that receiving is not started (S509: NO), the controlunit 20 returns the processing to step S509 and waits until receiving ofimage data is started. Here, the control unit 20 may make the displayunit 21 a display a message indicating that scan setting is conductedand scanning is started.

If it is determined that receiving of image data is started (S509: YES),the control unit 20 temporarily stores the received image data insequence in the RAM of the memory 22 (step S510). The control unit 20determines whether or not receiving of image data is completed (stepS511), and if it is determined that receiving is not completed (S511:NO), returns the processing to step S510 to perform processing on theimage data to be received next. It may be preferable for the displayunit 21 a to display an image, a message or the like indicating thatdata is being received, until it is determined that at step S511receiving is completed.

If it is determined at step S511 that receiving is completed (S511:YES), the control unit 20 saves the image data that is temporarily andsequentially stored in a flash memory of the memory 22 (step S512), andterminates the processing.

After the processing is terminated, the multifunction machine 1disconnects the connection, so that the communication terminal device 2cannot send and receive image data to/from the multifunction machine 1.

The processing procedures shown in the flowchart of FIGS. 11A, 11B and12 ensure the security of connection to the multifunction machine 1.Accordingly, even with the configuration in which the multifunctionmachine 1 is connected to an unspecified communication terminal device 2to send scanned image data, the security therefor may also be ensured.The image sending service may safely be implemented by a simpleoperation by the user executing the operation for generating a passwordat the multifunction machine 1, inputting the generated password at thecommunication terminal device 2 and executing scanning.

Embodiments 1 to 3 described a configuration in which a one-timepassword is generated at the multifunction machine 1, and the user ofthe communication terminal device 2 inputs the password through theoperation unit 21 b. The present invention is, however, not limited tothe above-described configuration, but may also employ other ways, suchas obtaining a one-time password from a shared server. Furthermore,power supplied to the communication unit 13 in the multifunction machine1 may be turned on/off at the timing of enablement/disablement of thewireless communication function. This allows power consumption to belowered.

Embodiment 4

In Embodiments 1 to 3, the one-time password generated by the passwordgenerating unit 14 is used as connection information for a communicationterminal device 2 to connect to the multifunction machine 1. InEmbodiment 4, however, a password as the connection information used forconnection serves as information unique to each multifunction machineand fixed information, while a one-time password is used forauthentication in determining whether or not sending/receiving of imagedata is possible.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printingservice system according to Embodiment 4. The printing service systemaccording to Embodiment 4 includes a multifunction machine 1 c and acommunication terminal device 2. The configuration of the printingservice according to Embodiment 4 is similar to the configuration inEmbodiment 1, except for the configurations of the memory 12 c andpassword generating unit 14 c in the multifunction machine 1 c, and fordetailed processing procedures performed between the multifunctionmachine 1 c and communication terminal device 2. Accordingly, theconfiguration units common to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by thesame reference codes and will not be described in detail.

The multifunction machine 1 c according to Embodiment 4 includes acontrol unit 10, an input/output unit 11, a memory 12 c, a communicationunit 13, a password generating unit 14 c and an image forming unit 15.

The memory 12 c uses an HDD or SSD. In the memory 12 c, SSID for themultifunction machine 1 c as well as a predetermined password(eight-digit alphabet characters, for example) is stored forcommunication connection to the multifunction machine 1 c. The SSID forthe memory 12 c and the predetermined password can be read out by thecontrol unit 10. The memory 12 c may store the image data received fromthe communication terminal device 2.

The password generating unit 14 c generates a one-time password forreceiving image data based on the instruction from the control unit 10.The password generating unit 14 c generates a one-time password by amethod of, for example, creating four-digit numbers based on randomlygenerated numbers. The method of generating a one-time password is notlimited to the one described here, but may be realized by various waysincluding known methods.

The procedure performed in the image processing system according toEmbodiment 4 configured as described above, in which image data is sentfrom the communication terminal device 2 to the multifunction machine 1c where printing-out is performed, will now be described with referenceto the flowchart and examples of operation screens.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a flowchart illustrating an example of aprocessing procedure performed when a printing service is executed atthe multifunction machine 1 c according to Embodiment 4. The processingprocedure described below corresponds to the processing procedureperformed in the communication terminal device 2 shown in the flowchartof FIGS. 17A and 17B, which will be described later. The multifunctionmachine 1 c executes the processing described below while being in awaiting state where the initial screen is displayed on the display unit11 a and the wireless communication function through the communicationunit 13 is enabled.

The control unit 10 determines whether or not an instruction is providedto start the wireless printing service (step S601). It is noted that, inS601, the control unit 10 may determine that the instruction is providedto start the wireless printing service by the procedure similar to thatin Embodiment 1. In other words, if the user touches the touch panel onthe icon 110 indicating “photograph printing service” on the initialscreen as shown in the example of FIG. 4, and further touches the touchpanel on the icon 130 for selecting “mobile phone with wirelesscommunication function” on the storage medium selecting screen as shownin the example of FIG. 5, the control unit 10 determines that aninstruction is provided to start the wireless printing service.

If it is determined that no instructions are provided to start thewireless printing service (S601: NO), the control unit 10 returns theprocessing to step S601.

If it is determined that the instruction to start the wireless printingservice is provided (S601: YES), the control unit 10 reads out the SSIDand predetermined password stored in the memory 12 c (step S602), andoutputs the read-out SSID and predetermined password to the display unit11 a, as connection information (step S603).

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of connectioninformation displayed at the display unit 11 a of the multifunctionmachine 1 c according to Embodiment 4. As illustrated in FIG. 15, by thecontrol of the control unit 10, for example, alphabet characters of“ABCDEFGH” are shown for the SSID while “ABCDEFGH,” which is the same asthe SSID, are likewise shown for the predetermined password in aconnection information display area 113. The user can recognize suchinformation by viewing the connection information display area 113. Itis to be understood that the SSID and password in FIG. 15 are exemplaryand other alphanumeric characters or symbols may also be used.

Description continues with reference to FIG. 14A again.

Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a connection is madefrom the communication terminal device 2 (step S604). If it isdetermined that no connection is made (S604: NO), the control unit 10returns the processing to step S604, and waits until a connection ismade.

If it is determined at step S604 that a connection is made from thecommunication terminal device 2 (S604: YES), the control unit 10instructs the password generating unit 14 c to generate a one-timepassword (step S605). The control unit 10 obtains a password generatedby the password generating unit 14 c (step S606), and outputs a sendingpassword for receiving image data, i.e. sending image data from thecommunication terminal device 2, to be displayed on the display unit 11a (step S607).

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a sendingpassword displayed on the display unit 11 a of the multifunction machine1 c according to Embodiment 4. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the controlunit 10 performs such control that four-digit numbers of “2012,” forexample, is displayed. The user views the display unit 11 a to recognizea sending password. It is to be understood that the sending passwordshown in FIG. 16 is exemplary, and other alphanumeric characters,symbols or the like may also be used.

Description continues with reference to FIG. 14A again.

The control unit 10 determines whether or not a sending password isreceived from the communication terminal device 2 (step S608). If it isdetermined that no sending password is received (S608: NO), the controlunit 10 returns the processing to step S608, and waits until it isdetermined that a sending password is received.

Note that, if a certain time period (two minutes, for example) elapseswithout receiving a sending password after the sending password isoutput at step S607, the processing is terminated, and the sending ofimage data with the password generated at step S605 may thereafter berejected as unauthentic. Here, the display unit 11 a is returned to thestate where the storage medium selecting screen as shown in FIG. 5 isdisplayed, as in the case with Embodiment 1.

If it is determined at step S608 that a sending password is received(S608: YES), the control unit 10 executes authentication processing todetermine whether or not the sending password is valid (step S609). Ifit is recognized that the sending password is valid and authentic as aresult of authentication processing (S609: PASS), the control unit 10determines whether or not image data is received (step S610). If it isdetermined that no image data is received (S610: NO), the control unit10 returns the processing to step S610 and waits until it is determinedthat the image data is received. If it is determined that the sendingpassword is invalid and unauthentic as a result of authenticationprocessing at step S609 (S609: FAIL), the result of authenticationprocessing is sent to the communication terminal device 2 (step S611),disconnects the communication (step S612) and terminates the processing.Here, the display unit 11 a is returned to the state where the storagemedium selecting screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, as in the casewith Embodiment 1. In such a case, the password generated at step S605may be invalidated at the time when the processing is terminated, orauthentication processing may be accepted once again. In the case wherethe authentication processing is accepted again, it is preferable tolimit the time and the number of trials.

If it is determined at step S610 that image data is received (S610:YES), the control unit 10 outputs a print setting screen to be displayedon the display unit 11 a (step S613), and accepts print setting (stepS614). Subsequently, the control unit 10 determines whether or not astart button for providing an instruction to start printing-out ispressed (step S615). If it is determined that the start button is notpressed (S615: NO), the control unit 10 returns the processing to stepS615 to wait until the button is pressed. If it is determined that thestart button is pressed (S615: YES), the control unit 10 disconnects thecommunication with the communication terminal device 2 before the nextprinting-out processing is started (step S616), sends the print settingaccepted at step S614 as well as the image data received at step S610 tothe image forming unit 15, executes printing-out (step S617), andterminates the processing.

It is not always necessary to disconnect communication in the processingat step S616, but is possible to validate the connection with thecommunication terminal device 2 only until the printing-out processingat step S617 is started, and to reject the connection if re-tried. It isalso possible to disconnect the communication at the side of themultifunction machine 1 not only before printing-out is started butimmediately after printing-out is completed, or to reject receiving ofimage data using a password generated at step S605 from thecommunication terminal device 2 after printing-out is completed. Inother words, the generated sending password is made valid only for aperiod until sending/receiving of image data to/from the communicationterminal device 2 is completed.

Furthermore, the processing at steps S613 to S615 may be skipped andprinting-out may automatically be started based on the setting senttogether with the image data.

Next, the processing performed in the communication terminal device 2which corresponds to the flowchart in FIGS. 14A and 14B will bedescribed. FIGS. 17A and 17B show a flowchart illustrating an example ofa processing procedure performed when a printing service is used at thecommunication terminal device 2 according to Embodiment 4. In the casewhere the control unit 20 reads out and executes a print application inresponse to the user's operation, the communication terminal device 2executes the processing described below.

The control unit 20 activates the communication unit 23 to enablewireless communication (step S701). The communication unit 23 searchesfor a target device for wireless communication (step S702), and outputsthe list of SSIDs stored in the memory 22 and SSIDs for the targetdevices obtained by the search (step S703). The control unit 20 acceptsthe selection of a device to be connected, from the output list (stepS704). It is noted that, at step S703, the user's input of SSID may alsobe accepted.

The control unit 20 outputs a password input screen for connecting tothe device selected at step S704, to be displayed on the display unit 21a (step S705). When there is a history for connection to the selecteddevice, the control unit 20 may have a password corresponding to theSSID for that device stored in the memory 22. Here, the control unit 20may initially display the stored password on the password input screenin advance. The control unit 20 obtains the password input by the useron the password input screen or the already-input password (step S706).

The control unit 20 tries to connect to the multifunction machine 1 cthrough the communication unit 23 based on the SSID and passwordobtained at step S706 (step S707). The control unit 20 determineswhether or not the connection succeeds (step S708), and if it isdetermined that the connection fails (S708: NO), terminates theprocessing. If it is determined that the connection succeeds at stepS708 (S708: YES), the control unit 20 reads out image data to beprinted, which is stored in the flash memory in the memory 22 (stepS709), and outputs the list of data to be displayed on the display unit21 a (step S710). The control unit 20 accepts the selection of one ormore pieces of image data from the list of the displayed image data(step S711).

Next, the control unit 20 outputs an input screen for a sending passwordfor sending selected image data, to be displayed on the display unit 21a (step S712), and obtains a sending password input by the user on thepassword input screen through the operation unit 21 b (step S713).

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a passwordinput screen displayed on a display unit 21 a at a communicationterminal device 2 according to Embodiment 4. In the example of FIG. 18,an acceptance unit 215 for accepting the input of a password is shown.The user views a one-time password output to the display unit 11 a atstep S607 in the flowchart of FIG. 14A in the multifunction machine 1 c,inputs the password to the acceptance part 215 and touches the touchpanel on the “OK” icon 216. This allows the communication terminaldevice 2 to obtain a sending password.

Description continues with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17B again.

The control part 20 sends the sending password obtained at step S713 tothe multifunction machine 1 c, which is being connected, through thecommunication unit 23 (step S714), receives an authentication resultbased on the sent sending password, and determines whether or not thereceived authentication result is a success (step S715). If it isdetermined that the authentication result is a failure (S715: FAIL), thecontrol unit 20 returns the processing to step S712 so as to acceptre-input of authentic sending data.

If it is determined that the authentication result is a success (S715:PASS), the control unit 20 sends the image data for which the selectionis accepted at step S711 to the multifunction machine 1 c, which isbeing connected, through the communication unit 23 (step S716), andterminates the processing.

After step S716, the multifunction machine 1 c disconnects theconnection so that the communication terminal device 2 cannotsend/receive image data to/from the multifunction machine 1 c, or sendthe image data unless it newly obtains a sending password.

The processing procedures shown in the flowcharts in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 17Aand 17B ensure the security for image data sending to the multifunctionmachine 1 c. As the password generated at step S605 is a one-timepassword while connection is limited by, for example, disconnectingcommunication at a timing before or after printing-out at step S616,image data sent thereafter from the communication terminal device 2using the same sending password would not be received by the controlunit 10 in the multifunction machine 1 c. This ensures the security evenfor a configuration in which a connection is made to an unspecifiedcommunication terminal device 2 for printing-out. It is thus possible toeasily connect to the multifunction machine 1 c again based on the SSIDand password saved in the memory 22 once a connection is establishedwith the multifunction machine 1 c, while the security for image datamay be ensured with a sending password which is a one-time password. Asimple operation of selecting image data to be printed and inputting asending password allows a printing service to be securely implemented.

It is to be understood that the screen examples illustrated in FIGS. 15,16 and 18 are mere examples and may be realized by other screenstructures.

It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein areillustrative and not restrictive in all aspects. The present inventionis defined by the appended claims rather than by the descriptionpreceding them, and all changes that fall within metes and bounds of theclaims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds thereof are thereforeintended to be embraced by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing device comprising: adisplay unit; an operation unit; and a processor for executing a processof: outputting an initial screen to be displayed by the display unit,the initial screen accepting an operation by the operation unit foractivating a scanning function; activating the scanning function in theinitial screen; connecting to an external device through wirelesscommunication after the scanning function is activated; outputting ascan setting screen to be displayed by the display unit after aconnection with the external device in the case that the scanningfunction is activated in the initial screen; accepting an instruction tostart scanning after a scan setting is accepted; accepting confirmationof scan setting with the operation unit; determining whether theinstruction to start scanning is provided or not by the operation unit;executing scanning based on the scan setting accepted if it isdetermined an instruction is provided; sending an image data obtained byscanning to the external device; disconnecting to the external deviceafter sending; and disabling a wireless communication after completionof sending image.
 2. The information processing device according toclaim 1, wherein the processor causes the display unit to displayuser-interface for accepting selection of a function to send the imagedata to the external device, and outputs the scan setting screen if thefunction is selected at the user-interface.
 3. The informationprocessing device according to claim 1, wherein the processor enable thewireless communication after activating the scanning function.
 4. Amethod of processing in an information processing device having adisplay unit, an operating unit; a communication unit and a processor,the method comprising the steps of: the processor outputting an initialscreen to be displayed by the display unit, the initial screen acceptingan operation by the operation unit for activating a scanning function;the processor activating the scanning function in the initial screen;the processor connects to an external device through wirelesscommunication via the communication unit after the scanning function isactivated; the processor outputting a scan setting screen to bedisplayed by the display unit after a connection with the externaldevice in the case that the scanning function is activated in theinitial screen; the processor accepting an instruction to start scanningafter a scan setting is accepted; the processor accepting confirmationof scan setting with operation unit; the processor determining whetherthe instruction to start scanning is provided or not by the operationunit; the processor executing scanning based on the scan settingaccepted if it is determined the instruction is provided; the processorsending an image data obtained by scanning to the external device; theprocessor disconnecting to the external device after sending; and theprocessor disabling a wireless communication after completion of sendingimage.
 5. An information processing device comprising: a display unit;and a processor configured to: output an initial screen to the displayunit, the initial screen including a scanning function portionconfigured to initiate a scanning function; activate the scanningfunction in the initial screen; wirelessly connect with only a singleexternal device; output a scan setting screen to the display unit inresponse to both the wirelessly connecting to the external device andthe scanning function being activated in the initial screen; accept aninstruction to initiate scanning, based on the scan setting, from auser-interface; initiate scanning in response to receipt of user inputto the user-interface, the scanning being based on the scan setting;send image data obtained by the scanning to only the external device viathe wireless connection; disconnect to the external device aftersending; and disable a wireless communication after completion ofsending image.